Haad Yao (Long Beach) - Krabi

Pristine Beach Off the Beaten Tracks in Krabi

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Haad Yao (also spelled Had Yao, Long Beach in Thai) is a seven-kilometre-long pristine beach located some 30km south of Krabi International Airport. Heavy tourism development has not (yet) turned the area into a concrete jungle, making Had Yao a lovely area to stay for all those who want to get away from it all for a relaxing holiday.

Featuring a small amount of mid-range accommodation choices – see Haad Yao hotels – as well as a few restaurants, Haad Yao offers the perfect place to unwind in a serene and tranquil environment. Two fishing villages situated at the two extremities of the beach allow visitors to discover the traditional life in southern Thailand. Note that the local community of fishermen is Muslim, so there are not that many establishments that sell alcohol outside of the hotel bars and the few restaurants settled on the main beach road.

The main activities on offer at Had Yao are mostly centred around the beach: strolling, sunbathing, and a few nautical activities are available from some of the hotels. The presence of mangrove forests at both ends of Haad Yao makes the water dark and greenish - similar to Phang Nga Bay – which is not favourable to snorkelling and scuba diving. Tours by long-tail boat or sea kayak in the mangroves give the opportunity to get a glimpse the wildlife (you can spot aigrettes, monkeys and other animals) and the local fishermen’s way of life.

Unlike the Krabi beaches located further north (Railay and Ao Nang, to name the most famous of them) Had Yao doesn’t feature the tall limestone cliffs specific to Phang Nga Bay. The beach is nevertheless a great sundowner spot with views – in the distance – to Koh Jum, Koh Poda, and even the Phi Phi Islands (on clear days). Haad Yao is also at reasonable distance from some of the most famous inland Krabi attractions – Emerald Pool, Klong Thom Hot Springs, and Bang Kram Wildlife Sanctuary - which can be reached in about one hour by car. Summing up, Haad Yao is really a great place if you look for tranquillity in a virgin natural environment.

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